Your Comprehensive Lyon Travel Guide to the Best of the City

Lyon is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in France. Often compared to Paris, a "smaller" Paris, Lyon has its own character and history, having taken a different trajectory from Paris.

Many visitors bypass this fabulous destination on their way from Paris to Provence − that is a mistake! Even if you only have a day, you won't regret a quick tour of the Old Town, a climb to the Basilica, lunch in a bouchon and a stop in a world-class museum.

It is, after all, the former capital of Rome in France, not to mention the gastronomical capital of the world.

Best things to do in Lyon

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Lyon, and the places I head to with friends when they come for visits:

33 Irresistible Things To Do In Lyon (By A Local)

Secret Passageways: The Mysterious Traboules of Lyon

The Glorious Monumental Wall Frescoes of Lyon

Halles Paul Bocuse (Where Top Chefs Love To Shop)

How To Explore Lugdunum And Its Antique Lyon Roman Ruins

The 7 Best Lyon Food Tours In France’s Gastronomic Capital

Lyon Astronomical Clock: A Magical 650-Year-Old Timepiece

Fourvière Hill: Basilica, Roman Ruins, And The Best View Of Lyon

Croix-Rousse, Home of Lyon's Silk Weavers

The different facets of Lyon

Weird, Whimsical And Wonderful Facts About Lyon

Visiting Bordeaux Vs Lyon: How To Choose If You're Short On Time

What Is Lyon, France Famous For?

13 Reasons They Call Lyon "Food Capital Of The World"

How To Use Public Transportation In Lyon, France

8 Great Lyon Hotels Near The Train Station

Best time to visit Lyon

Lyon In December: What Lyon In Winter Is Really Like

Lyon Light Festival: The Exhilarating Fête des Lumières

Beyond Lyon

Lyon is extremely central and you can get to many places from here:

16 Terrific Day Trips From Lyon

Day Trip from Lyon? Visit Medieval Perouges

Things to Do in Annecy (France's Prettiest Town?)

How Queen Victoria Put Aix-Les-Bains On The Map

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!

Read more!

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